At least six foreigners were still trying to seek bail yesterday after they were arrested early Friday morning during a warrantless raid at The Overstay, a hostel and underground music venue in Bangkok’s Bang Phlat.
The raid was made in response to complaints from neighbors living near The Overstay. It was led by the military with four other agencies, including the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, Immigration Office, Tourist Police, and the local police.
Six foreigners were tested positive for marijuana and charged. Another resisted being tested, and was instead charged with refusing to comply with lawful order, according to Khaosod English.
According to the commander of Bowon Mongkol police, owner of The Overstay Yuval Schwok, an Israeli national, is being charged with drug possession with intent to sell, along with lesser charges relating to his guesthouse.
Gili Back, an associate of Schwok, posted a public message over the weekend dismissing the reports of a party going on at the guesthouse when the raid was made. Warrants were not presented as well.
Unfortunately for Schwok, the raid is legal under the junta order that grants warrantless search and seizure powers if they the authority suspects criminal activity. Officials found 20 grams of marijuana and a scale in Schwok’s possession, saying that it was enough to signify his intentions of selling drugs.
Schwok and Back countered those claims, saying that the scale was only for making craft beer.
The head anti-narcotics officer, Maj. Gen. Sommai Kongwithaisook, however, was quoted threatening them with deportation if they wished to put up a fight.
“If they are so suspicious of the case, I can try to press for their deportation. If they want to play with us, we play back harder. We are not going to tolerate drug-dealing expats,” he said.
Friends and former guests of The Overstay flocked to Schwok’s Facebook, writing supportive messages on his wall.
“A place where music, dance, smiles and hugs are part of every day. You are the energy and the heart of The Overstay. I hope you come back soon and all the love of the people will surround you and help you emerge victorious from this difficult time,” Diazgranados from Columbia wrote in a public post.
The head anti-narcotics officer said that they plan on going around Bangkok where they suspect drugs are being used or traded. Stricter measures are certainly being enforced after the car bomb threats were recently made.
